An Open Letter to Friends & Allies of the American People

The Issue

To all the friends and longstanding allies of the American people:

We the People of the United States recognize that this is a difficult time in US and world history. Amid tensions and turmoil, we have had a drastic power shift in our country that is impacting many around the world. The US is a nation formed out of many people groups, many ideologies, and many beliefs. Our diversity is our strength. While not all Americans will agree with this letter, there are many who do.

As a country formed “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” we can no longer stand back and wait for our leaders to do or say the right things. We the People must take responsibility for our nation’s actions and identity. This is our country, not just theirs.

Therefore we are writing you, our allies, directly. We have seen how you, both leaders and citizenry, have been treated by our own leadership. We apologize for their words and actions—which do not represent the whole of the American people—and we humbly ask for your forgiveness and patience as we get through this difficult time.

To your leaders:

  1. We have seen your strength in the face of aggression and opposition. We encourage you to continue fighting the good fight and standing up for what’s right with compassion, courage, and wisdom.
  2. While we have a representative governmental system, the US is a very big country, and large ships can be difficult to steer. As power dynamics continue to shift, the voice of the people diminishes. Some of you have already acknowlededged this—and for that, we are grateful. Please know that We the People are still your allies, whether those shouting loudest believe it or not.
  3. We ask for your help to navigate through this time. You have access to our leadership in a way that most ordinary American citizens do not. Please stay the course, speaking up for justice and liberty, unafraid of their threats or sanctions.

To your people:

  1. We strongly disagree with those who would treat you as political bargaining chips. When we see you are suffering, we hurt with you; when we see you are doing well, we celebrate with you. We will do what we can to be good friends and neighbors and to help where needed, regardless of the political zeitgeist.
  2. We all know that the public face of a country does not necessarily reflect the people within. We promise to do our best not to judge you based on the shortcomings of those who claim to represent you—and we kindly request the same from you. When you are dismayed by the headlines you read about America, please know that many of us feel the same.
  3. Likewise, there are many “keyboard warriors”—whether within the US or from outside posing as Americans, whether human or bot. They do not speak for all of us. There are many millions of Americans who still believe in justice, equity, and kindness. We love our families and friends. We love meeting new people and learning about other cultures. We respect and value you and, as much as it is in our power, we will always welcome you. Please do not be disheartened by what you read or hear.

We are still a country of dreamers. We are innovators, hard workers, creators, scholars, laborers, homemakers, entrepreneurs, farmers, businesspeople, and everything in between. We are believers, skeptics, and doubters. We are young and old, rich and poor. We are every color of the human rainbow. We are divided, and yet we are one.

We are grateful for your continued friendship, cooperation, and patience. And now, we are counting on your strength.

Sincerely,

We the People of the United States

4

The Issue

To all the friends and longstanding allies of the American people:

We the People of the United States recognize that this is a difficult time in US and world history. Amid tensions and turmoil, we have had a drastic power shift in our country that is impacting many around the world. The US is a nation formed out of many people groups, many ideologies, and many beliefs. Our diversity is our strength. While not all Americans will agree with this letter, there are many who do.

As a country formed “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” we can no longer stand back and wait for our leaders to do or say the right things. We the People must take responsibility for our nation’s actions and identity. This is our country, not just theirs.

Therefore we are writing you, our allies, directly. We have seen how you, both leaders and citizenry, have been treated by our own leadership. We apologize for their words and actions—which do not represent the whole of the American people—and we humbly ask for your forgiveness and patience as we get through this difficult time.

To your leaders:

  1. We have seen your strength in the face of aggression and opposition. We encourage you to continue fighting the good fight and standing up for what’s right with compassion, courage, and wisdom.
  2. While we have a representative governmental system, the US is a very big country, and large ships can be difficult to steer. As power dynamics continue to shift, the voice of the people diminishes. Some of you have already acknowlededged this—and for that, we are grateful. Please know that We the People are still your allies, whether those shouting loudest believe it or not.
  3. We ask for your help to navigate through this time. You have access to our leadership in a way that most ordinary American citizens do not. Please stay the course, speaking up for justice and liberty, unafraid of their threats or sanctions.

To your people:

  1. We strongly disagree with those who would treat you as political bargaining chips. When we see you are suffering, we hurt with you; when we see you are doing well, we celebrate with you. We will do what we can to be good friends and neighbors and to help where needed, regardless of the political zeitgeist.
  2. We all know that the public face of a country does not necessarily reflect the people within. We promise to do our best not to judge you based on the shortcomings of those who claim to represent you—and we kindly request the same from you. When you are dismayed by the headlines you read about America, please know that many of us feel the same.
  3. Likewise, there are many “keyboard warriors”—whether within the US or from outside posing as Americans, whether human or bot. They do not speak for all of us. There are many millions of Americans who still believe in justice, equity, and kindness. We love our families and friends. We love meeting new people and learning about other cultures. We respect and value you and, as much as it is in our power, we will always welcome you. Please do not be disheartened by what you read or hear.

We are still a country of dreamers. We are innovators, hard workers, creators, scholars, laborers, homemakers, entrepreneurs, farmers, businesspeople, and everything in between. We are believers, skeptics, and doubters. We are young and old, rich and poor. We are every color of the human rainbow. We are divided, and yet we are one.

We are grateful for your continued friendship, cooperation, and patience. And now, we are counting on your strength.

Sincerely,

We the People of the United States

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